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To the Rockland community:We write to show our strong support for Rockland’s proposed single-use bag ordinance, which incentivizes the use of reusable bags via a ban on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene containers, and a small fee on paper bags. We are thrilled that this policy demonstrates the high value that Rockland places on our collective health and the health and beauty of the oceans, animals, and all the places where plastic bags and styrofoam often collect. Similar ordinances have been shown to have significant positive environmental impact and are an effective step that we can take in regard to climate change and environmental protection: reducing waste, reducing plastics in our environment, and reducing our carbon footprint.

An October 2015 Portland Press Herald article estimated that every human being in the United States uses 360 plastic bags a year, with “almost 479 million bags used annually in Maine alone.” But policies can help reduce this wasteful consumption. Six months after Portland instituted a fee on single-use bags, The Portland Press Herald reported that Hannaford had seen a dramatic increase in customers using reusable bags — rising from “about 10 percent” before the ordinance to “more than 80 percent.” A study published in November 2012 found that San Jose, California’s plastic bag ban with a ten-cent paper bag charge led to an 89 percent reduction in the number of plastic bags winding up in the city's storm drains. In addition, the city found a 59-60 percent reduction of plastic bags in creeks, rivers, city streets and neighborhoods.

Some people in Rockland are suggesting that the fee-for-paper-bag policy should only apply to the larger stores in town. However, we feel strongly that the fee on paper bags at stores should be applied city-wide. This policy will work best when applied equally. It reduces confusion and creates clarity. It also equalizes the playing field — why should someone buying bread at Hannaford pay 10 cents for a bag (and, hopefully, be incentivized to bring a reusable bag) but not when shopping downtown?

Locals and tourists will come to Rockland, and shop here, with or without a fee on bags. Fears of a drop in sales are unfounded. In fact, no credible studies have shown a reduction in sales after similar policies were passed. As a city, we can choose to impress visitors with our commitment to our environment — and do our small part to influence everyone’s thinking and habits. And with these ordinances becoming more and more common, visitors will come to see them as the norm. We should take action as a whole community — downtown businesses included — to send a strong, positive message to our residents, children, and visitors about the values that we share as a whole community.

There is one addition that we would suggest: as some other towns have done, Rockland should waive the bag fee for those who are using WIC or SNAP for groceries if they have forgotten their reusable bag. The purpose of the ordinance is to change our habits, which can still be effective but need not burden our most financially challenged residents.

We are Rockland residents, business owners, organizations, workers, visitors and shoppers, and we will be proud to see Rockland join many other Maine towns and cities in taking steps towards the protection of the environment and our own health.

(To add your name, business or organization to this letter which will be shared with the Rockland City Council, email your name and town to redbexxa@gmail.com. We hope you can make it to the Rockland City Council meeting on Monday, March 12 at 6 p.m., where the council will vote on this ordinance.)